Policies And Procedures

The Humane Society of St. Joseph County handles over 7,000 animals a year. In spite of this overwhelming number, we try to ensure that every animal leaving the shelter is healthy. Unfortunately, the history of many of our animals is unknown. In these situations, the animal may have been exposed to a disease and be incubating the disease. We ask you to take your adopted pet to your veterinarian within 72 hours for an initial health check. We will offer a refund or replacement for an animal diagnosed by a veterinarian to have an incurable disease within seven days of adoption. If the new pet owner elects to treat an ill pet, they will be responsible for any cost incurred. To protect all the animals involved, any dogs or cats currently owned or kept by the adopter must have current vaccinations (rabies and distemper) before placement of a new pet.

The shelter cannot guarantee the behavior or the temperament of any animal placed for adoption. We DO NOT GIVE REFUNDS FOR TEMPERAMENT PROBLEMS. Refunds are given only for medical problems with the animal adopted.

Landlords of rental properties or mobile home parks must approve of the adoption before placement. Temporary residences will be given careful consideration. All adults living at the residence are required to give their approval for adoption before placement. Applicants must be 18 years or older. We do not adopt for outside pets or for the purpose of hunting, guard/watch dogs, mousers, or barn cats.

For the protection of pets, people, and property we stress the importance of proper confinement. We require a fenced in yard or kennel facility for dogs over 45 pounds, pups that we anticipate will weigh more than 45 pounds, and potential problematic animals.

The Humane Society does reserve the right to refuse any adoption application. We do our best to make sure that the animals are entering an environment that is compatible with that specific animal. Many different factors are considered when the applications are being processed. A mandatory 24-hour waiting period allows us to review the application. This also allows the adopter time to consider the choice of prospective pet. Sometimes, circumstances beyond our control (example: property checks) require additional time in processing the application. The Humane Society reserves the right to investigate new homes and remove the animal if it is not receiving adequate care, if the spay/neuter surgery is not performed on time, or if facts have been misrepresented to the Humane Society.